In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.

Easy French Toast Casserole: A Perfect Breakfast Delight

If you love the comforting flavors of French toast but dread the time-consuming process of making individual slices, then an Easy French Toast Casserole is the perfect solution for you. This dish combines the classic taste of French toast with the convenience of a casserole, making it an ideal choice for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy weekday breakfast. Let’s dive into this delicious and simple recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 10 cups (1kg) cubed French bread: About 1 large loaf of French bread, sourdough, or ciabatta works perfectly. Slightly stale bread is preferable as it absorbs the custard without turning mushy.
• ½ cup (75g) chopped pecans: Feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts.

For the Custard:

• 5 eggs
• 1½ cups (354ml) milk
• ¼ cup (55g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest: Adds a citrusy zing that brightens the dish.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C or Gas 5).

2. Prepare the Bread: Slice your chosen bread into 1-inch cubes, ensuring the crust is left on for added texture.

3. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with half of the chopped pecans. Repeat this layering with the remaining bread and pecans.

4. Make the Custard: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs together. Add in the milk, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread cubes, ensuring each piece is soaked.

5. Prepare the Topping: In another small bowl, mix the melted butter with brown sugar. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Drizzle this topping evenly over the casserole.

6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is browned, and the bread is baked and crispy. Cover with foil in the first 20 minutes to prevent excessive browning, then remove it to achieve a golden crust.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps set the custard and makes slicing easier.

8. Garnish: Serve with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of decadence.

Tips and Tricks

• Bread Selection: Use sturdy bread like French, sourdough, or ciabatta. Day-old or slightly stale bread is best for absorbing the custard.
• Even Distribution: Ensure that nuts or any additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or berries are evenly spread for balanced flavor throughout the casserole.
• Overnight Prep: You can prepare the casserole the night before. Assemble, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
• Baking Dish: Use a 9×13-inch dish to allow the casserole enough room to expand without overflowing.
• Moisture Check: Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time. It should be slightly custardy in the center, not dry.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 709kcal
• Carbohydrates: 121g
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 81mg
• Sodium: 1125mg
• Potassium: 341mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 14g
• Vitamin A: 267IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 143mg
• Iron: 8mg

Conclusion

This Easy French Toast Casserole is a delightful and convenient way to enjoy the rich flavors of traditional French toast without the hassle. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a go-to dish for any breakfast or brunch setting. Try it out and watch it become a family favorite!

Easy French Toast Casserole

This Easy French Toast Casserole is perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch. Prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for a delicious treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Cooling Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 709

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1000 g cubed French bread about 1 large loaf or sourdough or ciabatta
• 75 g chopped pecans or other nuts

Custard

• 5 eggs
• 354 ml milk
• 55 g sugar
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp salt

Topping

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.125 tsp salt

Equipment

• 9×13 Baking Dish

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C / gas 5.
2. Slice your bread into 1-inch cubes, leaving the crust on.
3. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Add about half of the bread cubes in an even layer on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the pecans on the top of the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and pecans.
4. In a small bowl, make the custard. Start by whisking the eggs together, then whisk in the milk, sugar, orange zest, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1⁄4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt. Pour evenly over the bread.
5. In another small bowl, make the topping by combining together the butter and brown sugar, then stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1⁄8 teaspoon of salt. Drizzle evenly over the bread.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top of the casserole is browned.
7. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Select a sturdy bread like French, sourdough, or ciabatta. Slightly stale bread works best, as it can absorb the custard without becoming too mushy. Prepare the night before for easy morning baking.